Li Auto plans a significant L9 overhaul in 2026 featuring a larger battery, active suspension, and an updated interior design.
Li Auto is reportedly preparing to equip the refreshed L9 with a 5C ultra-fast-charging pack, fully active suspension and a redesigned interior.
Recent leaks suggest the flagship trim of the Li Auto L9 will undergo a major overhaul in 2026, adopting a 73-kWh 5C battery, active chassis suspension, and a new range-extender powertrain and motors paired with in-house chips.
The body length is said to stretch to 5.3 meters, accompanied by a significantly updated cabin.
In addition to online rumors, alleged spy shots have surfaced showing wider tires and an upgraded front-row entertainment display.
A widely accepted view is that Li Auto, the first mover and a vocal promoter of range-extender technology in China, has played a crucial role in expanding its adoption across the market.
As one of the earliest players in China’s range-extender segment regroups and doubles down on improving its core product, the key question is whether Li Auto can return to its peak of 50,000 monthly deliveries.
Beyond mainstream expectations
In 2025, size will be the core value of the large NEV SUV segment.
To regain ground, Li Auto needs to compete aggressively—and potentially stand out.
First, size matters.
Premium entries such as Lynk & Co 900, the new NIO brand ES8, Zeekr 9X, and Voyah Taishan all exceed 5.2 meters in length with wheelbases above 3.1 meters.
These dimensions, which contribute to a luxury presence and generous space, have become a default selling point for new launches.
The current Li Auto L9 sits within this range, but intensifying competition in large NEV SUVs has diluted its dimensional advantage.
Second, the market now demands bigger batteries.
The 52-kWh battery used in the AITO M9 range-extended version already feels insufficient among the latest launches.
Across 2025’s NEV large-vehicle segment, battery sizes typically exceed 60 kWh, delivering more than 300 km of CLTC all-electric range—and models such as the IM LS6/LS9 and Xpeng X9 claim more than 400 km, compared with the L9’s 280 km.
Fast-charging has also become a key measure of competitiveness, with many range-extended models now completing 20-minute charging sessions, outperforming the L9’s 25-minute capability.
Given these shifts, the rumored 73-kWh 5C pack and 5.3-meter length upgrade appear logical.
Spy shots showing 295 mm rear tire width may support the speculation, as larger battery capacity and body size will likely increase weight.
Meanwhile, with 3,555 super-charging stations deployed to date and range-extender vehicles still its strongest segment, Li Auto has the infrastructure advantage to amplify the large-battery + 5C user experience.
If pricing for the refreshed L9 flagship matches the current RMB 439,800 ($61,850), enhanced driving refinement will be essential.
This explains speculation that the facelifted trim will include fully active suspension and rear-wheel steering, while the next-generation range extender and motors may improve energy efficiency and dynamic performance simultaneously.
Based on current leaks, exterior changes may be minimal, while the interior could see a major redesign.
The only confirmed upgrade so far is a seamless full-width entertainment screen for the front row.
Beyond that—and its signature refrigerator, sofa-like seating and large TV—the scope of redesign remains unknown.
What is certain is that Li Auto’s in-house chip will strengthen the vehicle’s advanced-assisted-driving and cross-domain computing capabilities.
A new opportunity
The L series refresh released in May failed to win over the market.
Sales have declined steadily since reaching their 2025 peak in May. L8 and L9 sales fell to roughly 2,100 units each in October, from 5,312 and 5,753 units in May.
The L7 sold 4,347 units in October, less than half of its 10,016-unit record. Even the L6 slipped from 18,781 to 9,680 units.
Meanwhile, the i8 has plateaued at around 5,700 monthly units and is not yet capable of sustaining Li Auto’s overall volume.
The 2025 L-series update focused heavily on assisted-driving performance, but clearly failed to match the pace of the latest round of product-capability competition.
As foundation models for driver-assist improve, user-perceived features and configuration upgrades must arrive quickly.
Can the refreshed L9 return the L series to 50,000 monthly deliveries?
The answer may determine Li Auto’s next chapter.
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